Central Coast Home & Lifestyle Summer 2020

ART TREASURES: How to buy art while travelling this summer season KAB Gallery Director, Kerry Blanket’s guide to selecting the perfect keepsake while on holiday s.

There is a definite art to purchasing art while on holidays, and with so many positives and long-term investment opportunities you should definitely do it! To maximise your chances of success it helps to consider various aspects of the art market and art buying process, so you don’t just walk away with a large postcard. Here are my top tips on selecting the perfect original artwork while travelling that you will enjoy and treasure forever. The first key tip is so important and applies equally to buying art both on holidays and at any other time. You must look for quality original art. Avoid digital prints which will fade (including giclee prints) at all costs, because you are investing in something you want to remember and stand the test of time. The reality is that the quality and originality of art provides its long-term value and is what you are going to enjoy in your home forever. Instead of buying a holiday print, I suggest you value the labour and love an artist has

poured into a copper etching or crafted screen print. Better yet aim to purchase an original painting. Great art screams quality, which is why professional artists are committed to quality products that will last you a lifetime. Luxurious paints, custom made canvases of quality linen, and a well-constructed premium frame (if included) all contribute to a quality artwork that you can treasure and proudly to add to your collection. Secondly you should enjoy the gallery and take your time to admire all their paintings. Don’t get too caught up in trying to nab the best bargain. Instead this is your chance to purchase a great piece of art while you are relaxed and in the perfect headspace. Seize the opportunity to calmly enjoy selecting the piece without life’s regular day-to-day distractions. While holidaying with loved ones can also encourage them to be part of the process with you. By allowing everyone to enjoy the experience you will all remember this special moment of connecting together. Art is supposed to do that, so take this special opportunity to create a memorable experience you can all reflect on in years to come while admiring your artwork at home. Another tip is to enjoy learning about the different artists and styles not typically exhibited in galleries near your home. Many of Australia’s most famous and respected artists reside or work from studios positioned within popular holiday destinations. This means that you are likely to find their best work at hand in prestigious destination galleries making your art purchase even easier. Not only that, having access to a whole new range of galleries while on holidays allows you to be introduced to so many new artists, ideas, styles and even artistic medium. Be sure to ask the gallerists questions and discuss the artworks and artists styles as I’m sure they have many interesting facts to share with you. It is vitally important to pick a style or subject matter which connects with you. It’s great to have a literal representation of the holiday location (and even better if it has

been created by a renowned artist), but you may be more drawn to something abstract or completely irrelevant to your holiday location. When considering the long-term enjoyment of this souvenir piece, reflect on your tastes and ensure you are buying something you will enjoy within your own home decor forever. In my opinion, regardless of the artwork subject or style it will be the nostalgic value of the purchase experience and place where you purchased which will be important in the long run. Finally, on the logistics of a holiday purchase, avoid selecting something simply because it will “travel well”. When purchasing from a good gallery they will be able to coordinate having any sized artwork either carefully packaged for you to take with you, or have it delivered conveniently when you return home. All-in-all art is a great take-home treasure which you can not only appreciate for years to come but also help you reminisce with loved one about your travels. We have all at one point heard about that special piece in Nanna’s hallway that she purchased on her honeymoon. This is your chance to secure a lasting memory that will stand the test of time. I hope I can meet you at KAB Gallery Terrigal and help you find the perfect artwork. As a trusted international art brand KAB Gallery is the culmination of my lifelong passion for art, alongwitheducationandcareerspent learning everything there is to know about collecting, investing in, valuing, restoring and selling art. With a focus on Australian collectable art and exciting contemporaries, you can feel confident that all items available at KAB Gallery are quality works which have been carefully vetted for exhibition. Open 7 days on the Terrigal beachfront under the Crowne Plaza plus weekends and by appointment at my brand-new gallery on Sydney’s North Shore Ph 1300 78 7773 or visit KABGallery.com

CrownePlazaTerrigal 40TerrigalEspTerrigal NSW2260Australia 1300787773

24 Home & Lifestyle Magazine | Summer 2020